Exploring Washington's Past: A Road Guide to History [Paperback]

Ruth Kirk (Author), Carmela Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

A traveler's guide to Washington state, focusing on historical sites. Sections on various regions describe local history, with entries on towns and sites offering information on festivals, museums, and historic districts. Contains b&w photos, and a chronology. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Port

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This encyclopedic guide to the state of Washington does exactly what it promises: it explores the visible history of that lovely state. It is geared to the curious tourist, and offers many photographs and maps, clearly written road directions, and a good index. Entries are by eight geographic regions, alphabetical within each region and cross-referenced to other entries. Although most describe locations, boxed entries may describe "apples," "barns," or other facets of the landscape. Descriptions often quote from historical documents, adding immediacy to the historical context. The wealth of carefully coordinated detail in this exhaustive work shows a great love of its subject. Recommended primarily for regional travel collections.
- Molly McCluer, Alameda Cty. Law Lib., Oakland, Cal.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 543 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; Revised edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295974435
• ISBN-13: 978-0295974439
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #530,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exploring Washington's Past, April 6, 2000

By 

Jeri Morgan (Medical Lake, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exploring Washington's Past: A Road Guide to History (Paperback)

This well organized and very readable book is a combination history book and travel guide. The authors personally traveled to the sites and provide detailed directions and numerous photographs as well as historical and social background.I am a long-time resident of Washington and have learned much from this book. I refer to it often and people who have borrowed my copy have enjoyed it enough to purchase their own copies.Topic coverage varies from a couple of paragraphs to a few pages. The book is organized by geographic regions and the highly detailed index makes it possible to find a place or event quickly.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Washington's Back Roads, October 17, 2001

By 

J. Sullivan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exploring Washington's Past: A Road Guide to History (Paperback)

As a native of the state, I'm familiar with the popular history of Washington that has been told and re-told many times. That is why it's a joy to come across a book with little known and interesting stories about our past. To come across a sign announcing a small town, and to be able to read about that town in this book gives me a new appreciation for the area I'm driving through and the state I live in.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating tour through the State's origins and byways, August 25, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Richland, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exploring Washington's Past: A Road Guide to History (Paperback)

The authors have produced a very readable and entertaining history of Washington State including the origins of the towns and cities, the people who contributed to their development and how they developed over the years. Organized by regions and highways, it is a must for anyone interested in exploring the byways of the state and learning how it came to be.